'Pirates' Sequel -- Big Box Office on Opening Weekend

Reuters

LOS ANGELES -- "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" dug up $90.1 million in box office treasure in its first weekend in North America, at the low end of forecasts but still the biggest debut of any film this year, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

The fourth release in the blockbuster Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) series, and the first in 3-D, plundered an additional $256.3 million in overseas ticket sales to set a record as the highest international movie opening of all time, Disney said.

The previous overseas benchmark was set in July 2009 by "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," with $236 million.

All told, the latest "Pirates of the Caribbean" film grossed an estimated $346.4 million worldwide during its first few days in release.

The comedy "Bridesmaids" ranked a distant No. 2 in its second weekend with $21.1 million in U.S.-Canadian ticket sales.

Rounding out the top five were Marvel's superhero drama "Thor," grossing $15.5 million in its third weekend, the hot-rod thriller "Fast Five" with $10.6 million in its fourth weekend, and the 3-D animated "Rio" with $4.7 million after six weeks.

LAMediaWatch.com